About 1,000 people turned out Saturday for the third annual Carnaval de Mardi Gras gumbo cook-off at Southern Cultural Heritage Center.
Roux Krewe took first place in the cook-off and earned bragging rights as the city’s best gumbo chefs in the contest that featured 20 teams offering seafood, chicken, venison and other versions of the south Louisiana staple dish.
They also took home a trophy and a $200 cash prize for their efforts.
P.E.T.A.-People Eating Tasty Animals, taking second and the Redwood Rednecks taking third. Couyon de Roux won best display.
Organizers with the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation said the event and about $10,000 was raised for the nonprofit organization though the $10 admission cost for gumbo tasting and a beverage ticket.
“This is great,” said Gary Hickman, of Vicksburg. “I wish we had more stuff like this here.”
Madison native Sissy Jeprose really admired how Vicksburg made her feel like she was in New Orleans.
“This is fantastic. I like being in this small city that has the feel as Mardi Gras. The gumbo is good,” Jeprose said.
California native Damon Hall heard about the event while visiting Vicksburg. He became interested in the festivities and thought he’d attend. He didn’t regret his decision.
“Everything is great,” Hall said. “This has been a great experience.”
Vicksburg resident Bobby Amborn enjoyed the atmosphere and the excitement of the people.
“It is nice to see all of the people come out and enjoy this. The gumbo is great, the people are great and it’s just a great day to be in Vicksburg,” Amborn said.